My head injury

[shootingstar]

On Jan. 1/15, New Year's Day, I suffered a head injury after my bike collided-crashed with another cyclist who clipped into my front wheel, on a Vancouver bike path. My dearie was cycling just 10 metres ahead of me. The other cyclist landed on top of me. My bike was still between my legs when I fell on my left side. Thank goodness he wasn't a really big, much heavier person.

I was admitted for hospital overnight stay and monitoring in a downtown Vancouver hospital. I was seen by emergency services doc. And neurologist also. The left side me around my lower rib cage and lower abdomen is sore and requires me to move carefully. What a way to start off 2015.

I have no memory at all of the crash, nor of emergency responders looking after me, transport in ambulance nor of the full body CAT scan I had within hrs. of accident. I lost part of memory for about 6 hrs. I also don't remember a team meeting with neurologist, neurology student intern and my partner where they tested my cognition via series of questions while I was in bed. I have no memory of what my neurologist looks like, who handled my case looks like. I have no memory of what the cyclist looked like who crashed into me. My eyes were open, according to my partner, and I was talking, responding (not always correctly), but clearly it did not register in my memory at the time.

My emergency services doctor sister (in Toronto) who does see head injured patients quite often, has urged that I must rest and do very little…for first 2 wks. Or longer. Not even much computer nor TV screen time. I will be requesting abit more accident/disability time off after next wk. Frankly I don’t feel like returning immediately to work, with a change of managers now due to restructuring. The last thing I can cope with after this accident. Or I probably have to book a meeting rm. At work and work in quiet since I currently work in an open office floor with enough ambient noise from adjacent cubicles.

It tires me do tasks that require brain decision-making and switching at this time. Certainly I can walk short distances, but tend to be slower. I have to test this when walking in ice and snow in Calgary with my partner.

I have been advised strongly not to bike for 1 month.

For certain, you will not find me supporting: ice hockey fighting (enforcer role is terrible role to have been invented in pro hockey), soccer headhitting of the ball at high velocities, boxing, MM fighting. I have heard that football is losing its cache at some the high schools due to parental concerns, etc.

[Becky]

I'm very sorry to hear of your accident! I've had my share of concussions, though none as serious as what you describe. Be kind and gentle to yourself as you heal, and best wishes for a speedy recovery!

[OakLeaf]

Wow. Glad you're getting good advice and that you'll have your partner's support as you heal. Take good care. Best wishes for a quick and full recovery!

[Crankin]

Rest up, Shooting Star. You have received very good advice and care. Don't mess around with this. I have a friend from grad school, whose daughter had a concussion from a soccer head butt. It was a long time before she could do everything the way she used to.
Yeah, and I am also against all of those things you mentioned. I am pretty sure I had a mild concussion when I slammed the point of my car door into my forehead. I rested for 1.5 days and stupidly went on a 30 mile ride the day after that. This resulted in headaches and neck pain for months. Take it easy!!!

[Helene2013]

Sorry to read you had such a "stupid" accident. Hoping for a full and speedy recovery. Just don't rush into things. I know it is hard and we think all is fine and try to go too fast too often.

[Catrin]

Oh my, SO glad that you are coming out of it - scary stuff indeed! I am so glad that you don't live alone and have your partner to help out, thank care and keep us posted as you can.

[thekarens]

Wow! So scary! Take care and be easy on yourself. Definitely don't push things.

[BikeDutchess]

Wishing you a full recovery! And be patient with yourself!

[smilingcat]

Hi,

don't fret too much about not remembering what happened that day. The important thing now is to take time to heal properly. Don't rush. take lot of naps. And wish you full recovery. Resting will also help with your other physical injuries.

[AppleTree]

Oh my gosh, so sorry to hear this happened to you shootingstar. What a scary accident! 2015 is not off to a good start. My husband also had a bike accident a few days ago. Will post about that later.

Heal well, sending good thoughts your way!